Caring for Your Australian Opal

Opal Jewelry

Important: Opals Are Fragile Gemstones
Opals are softer than sapphires, rubies, or diamonds and will crack or chip if struck hard against solid surfaces.

Always remove opal jewelry before:
Sports or physical activities
Manual labor, gardening, or gym workouts
Household tasks where impact is possible (lifting, moving furniture, etc.)

Even a minor knock during everyday wear can cause permanent damage. Treat opals as delicate gemstones, not everyday workwear.

Cleaning Your Opal

Clean with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or chlorine. Light exposure to hand soap or dishwashing detergent is safe.

Storage

Store opal jewelry separately from harder gemstones (diamonds, sapphires) to prevent scratching.

Solid Natural Opals

(Black, Boulder, Crystal, White Opal)
Natural solid opals are stable and won't change color or crack from water, humidity, or temperature changes. They are safe to submerge in water and can be worn daily, provided they are protected from physical impact. Solid opals are a single piece of gemstone with no artificial backing, making them ideal for heirloom quality jewelry when handled with care.

Opal Doublets

Opal doublets consist of a thin slice of natural opal bonded to a dark backing. Do not submerge doublets in water as prolonged exposure can weaken the adhesive bond and cause separation or cloudiness. Remove doublet jewelry before swimming, bathing, or washing dishes. Clean with a damp cloth only; do not soak or use ultrasonic cleaners.

Like all opals, doublets are fragile and must be protected from impact.

Not sure which type you have? Solid opals show natural color throughout the stone. Doublets have a visible dark backing layer when viewed from the side.